ex-directory

IPA/ˌeks dəˈrektəri/
IPA/ˌeks dəˈrektəri/

ex-directory — adjective

1. describes a phone number deliberately kept out of public directories at the subs

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a phone number deliberately kept out of public directories at the subscriber's request; directory enquiries will not give it out.

例句

Priya's home number is ex-directory, so directory enquiries won't give it out.

ex-directory + number: used before a noun for a private listing

Dr. Okonkwo gave the clinic an ex-directory mobile number for staff emergencies.

同義詞
  • unlisted

    the standard American English equivalent; means the same thing but is used in the US and understood globally

  • private

    a broader term for anything not shared publicly; 'ex-directory' means withheld from the phone book specifically at the owner's request

反義詞
  • listed

    appearing in the telephone directory and findable through directory enquiries

文法句型

ex-directory + number/line

be/stay/make something + ex-directory

用法筆記

British English term. Used almost exclusively for phone numbers that the subscriber has asked to keep private. In American English, 'unlisted' is the direct equivalent and is more widely understood internationally.

常見錯誤

❌I have an ex-directory address.
✅I have an ex-directory phone number.
💡'ex-directory' only describes phone numbers, not addresses or other personal details.